Energy efficiency, durability, indoor environmental quality, resilience, and collaboration act as guiding principles for RDH’s approach to affordable housing. This project was no exception. Working closely with the project team, RDH developed and incorporated practical, high-performance enclosure solutions that integrated Passive House design principles throughout.
Thermal performance was a central focus. RDH minimized the impact of thermal bridges at sunshades, canopies, and cladding attachments by employing a long-screw cladding system to reduce heat loss through 150mm of exterior insulation. Split insulated assemblies and smart vapor retarders were used to further increase wall and roof performance, achieving an R-100 roof assembly. The thermal performance of the roof was validated through a hygrothermal WUFI analysis, with findings presented to the City of Burnaby for approval and setting a new precedent for future projects.
RDH also supported the general contractor in troubleshooting on-site energy efficiency details, including thermal bridge mitigation at cladding and flashing installations, airtight window detailing, and qualitative smoke testing.
